Flying taxis appear to be a step closer to becoming a reality.
US air regulators published rules on Monday to formally add the machines, which combine helicopter and plane characteristics, to the list of regulated aircraft. The update is required before companies can offer flights to customers.
The move comes as companies increase their investments in new technology, which is billed as the future mode of transportation. As major airlines place orders and investors bet on a new crop of start-ups. And money has been pouring into the sector.
The new aircraft, also known as an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, can take off and land without requiring a runway and can travel long distances like a plane. They also use electric motors, which reduce noise and pollution when compared to conventional planes.
It is suggested that they could help reduce traffic congestion in congested cities without being expensive for customers. They have also proposed a means of transporting cargo.
In Europe, the industry hopes to have flying taxis operational in time for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which has faced industry pressure to clarify flight rules, announced on Monday that it was proposing to broaden its definition of air carriers beyond airplanes and helicopters, adding “powered lift” to the list.
The agency also stated that it expects to publish proposed rules for flying such aircraft in the summer of 2023. These rules will detail the criteria that companies must meet in order to obtain pilot licenses and begin operations.
Positive Progress in The Field of Flying Car
Most analysts in the United States do not expect flying taxis to take off until at least 2024 or 2025. Owing to the ongoing debate over how to regulate the new machines. And which will encounter both local and national regulatory issues.
Despite the uncertain timeline, United Airlines and Delta are among the major corporations that have recently committed millions of dollars to the concept. Hundreds of companies are competing for a piece of the action around the world.
According to Robin Riedel, co-leader of the firm’s Center for Future Mobility, are likely to fail. Also citing the technical challenges they face. As well as the task of gaining public trust and lowering costs sufficiently to make flying taxis more widely affordable.
He anticipates that such travel will be limited to a few cities and routes until after 2030. And primarily for ultra-wealthy or business passengers.
FAQs
Q: Would flying cars soon be a reality?
A: In reality, mass-production flying cars are probably still a few years (if not a decade) away. But much of that delay is due to logistics, regulations, red tape, oil interests, and automotive lobbyists. And a slew of other factors, but the technology is there.
Q: What is the problem with flying cars?
A: Flying cars would require more or larger batteries for longer journeys. The issue is that as more batteries are added, the aircraft becomes heavier, necessitating the addition of more batteries.
Q: What country is using flying cars?
A: AirCar is a car that can transform into an aircraft and fly through the sky. According to AirCar, a flying car inventor company based in Nitra, Slovakia, the futuristic craft is approved by the Slovak Transport Authority.
